IFA firm faces £500k claim after judge allows disclosure of company files

Carmen Reichman
clock • 3 min read

The owners of a former advisory business are a step closer to facing a £500,000 claim for bad advice after a judge ordered them to disclose documents that could wreck their defence the claim is too old.

Judge Mackie QC ruled on Tuesday at the High Court of Justice that Luton-based Handscombe Financial Planning must hand over documents relating to the firm's claims history. The claimants - John and Nita Ann Williams - suggest the paperwork could undermine the company's defence of a six-year limitation period in which claims for bad advice against the firm can be brought. Handscombe will face a two-day preliminary issue trial, likely to be held in September, in which it will be decided whether or not the limitation clause will apply. Limitation is anchored in common law and function...

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